Saturday, April 29, 2006

Chilka, is the largest inland salt water logoon of Asia, situated in Orissa, India. The area of the lake varies from 1165 sq km in the monsoon season to 906 sq km in the dry season, and is studded with numerous small islands. It is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow sandy spit.150 migratory birds from Siberia, Iran , Afghanistan and the Himalaya come for shelter between October to March every year.There are 225 species of fish and the Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris). The rare limbless lizard Barkudia insularis is endemic to one of the lake's small islands. The Lake is dotted with a host of islands. Kalijai island, Breakfast island, Nalabana (island of reeds), Honeymoon island, Parikud island, Birds island, etc. are some of the interesting spots around the lake.